A review by easterncalculus
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This is a satisfying mystery with a novel setting, and has an interesting system of astrological/celestial archetypes. Each chapter is half the length of the previous, which adds a lot of tension as you progress through the book, but makes the beginning drag a little.